Obituary of Judge William A. Patterson

Judge William A. Patterson, 73, of St. Petersburg, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness on July 31 surrounded by his loving family. Billy was a wonderful husband and father who had a love for life, a passion for sports and reverence for the law and the American justice system. Bill Patterson was born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 12, 1934 but soon moved to Cleveland (Shaker Heights), Ohio and finally to St. Petersburg, where he graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1952. He started college at Cornell University but transferred to the University of Florida earning his B.A. in political science in1956 and was commissioned a 2d Lt. in the U.S. Army upon his graduation. He graduated from Stetson College of Law in 1960 and began his legal career in the law firm headed by the late Judge Paul Roney (US Circuit Judge) who encouraged Bill at the age of 29 to run for Juvenile Court Judge in 1962, to which he was elected. At the time he was the youngest elected judge in Florida. He served in this position admirably and was recognized for his outstanding work for children with the JayCees' Outstanding Citizen Award in 1965. In 1966, Bill ran for and was elected Circuit Judge where he served for the next 10 years until he resigned to enter private practice. Bill practiced in the law firm of Masterson, Rogers & Patterson until his retirement in the mid-1990s. This time of year was Bill's favorite since baseball season is underway and football season is almost here. He loved the Cleveland Indians, the Chicago Cubbies, the BUCs and he will be watching this Fall so he can say GO GATORS!! For his beloved team. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Alexander Robertson Patterson and Altha Polkinghorn Patterson and his sisters Jane, Mary Helen and Alma. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Barbara; his children, Bill Jr, and wife Betsy, Jeff and wife Paula, and Carol Kilpatrick and husband Tom; his stepchildren, Lee Manuel, Matthew Manuel and his wife Kara and Kim Bomonti and her husband Clark; and his grandchildren, Alex and Ryan Patterson, Stacie and Hayley Patterson, Will, Maddy and TC Kilpatrick; Nicholas Manuel and K.C. Bomonti. Visitation will be from 5-7PM Tuesday, August 5th, 2008 at David C. Gross Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, where services will be Wednesday at 11AM. Interment will follow in Royal Palm Cemetery-South. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt, Clearwater, FL 33760. David C. Gross Funeral Homes is serving the family. Service Information